The niece of deceased Iranian General Qasem Soleimani has been taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, 47, was detained on Friday from her residence in the Tujunga neighborhood. Authorities also took her 25-year-old daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, into custody after officials revoked their green cards over alleged links to the Iranian government, according to New York Post report.
What Led To Her Arrest?
Afshar had already faced legal trouble before her detention. A local hairdresser, Zare Mandani, secured a five-year restraining order against her in 2024 after accusing her of harassment. He said she made repeated contact at his home and workplace and refused to stop even after he blocked her.
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“She’s a stalker. She’s a crazy lady. Thank God she’s been arrested and is going to be deported,” Mandani said after learning about her arrest. He added, “I asked her nicely to leave me alone but she wouldn’t listen.”
Court filings described their relationship as dating at one point, though Mandani later said they were only friends. Documents listed allegations such as repeated unwanted calls, emotional distress, interference at work, and threats of self-harm.
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The restraining order came before federal authorities stepped in. A witness at the property said multiple vehicles from the Los Angeles Police Department and ICE arrived during the operation, according to New York Post report. He said the scene felt tense as officers took Afshar and her daughter away.
Why Did Federal Authorities Revoke Green Cards?
Afshar entered the United States in 2015 on a tourist visa. She received asylum in 2019 and became a green card holder in 2021. Her daughter arrived in 2021 on a student visa and gained permanent residency in 2023, according to New York Post report.
According to information linked to the US Department of State, Afshar had shown support for Iran’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. Reports also said she praised attacks on US forces and used strong language against the country.
At her residence, Afshar lived in a small unit behind a main house in Tujunga, about 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Inside, there were items linked to a lifestyle focused on fashion and social media. She also owned a black Tesla vehicle, which contained several luxury goods and personal belongings.
